Ulysses is a male given name of Greek origin. It is derived from the Greek name Odysseus, which means "angry" or "troubled." According to Greek mythology, Odysseus was a hero who fought in the Trojan War and later embarked on a ten-year journey homeward after the war ended.
The name Ulysses gained popularity in France during the Middle Ages due to the French translation of Homer's epic poem "The Odyssey," which tells the story of Odysseus' journey. It was also popular among European nobility, with several notable figures bearing the name, including Ulysses III, Duke of Burgundy.
In literature, Ulysses is the title character of James Joyce's novel "Ulysses," published in 1922. The novel follows a day in the life of its protagonist Leopold Bloom as he wanders around Dublin, with various events and characters paralleling those from Homer's epic poem.
Today, Ulysses remains a unique and distinctive name, often associated with intelligence, wit, and adventurous spirit due to its namesake hero Odysseus. Despite its ancient origins, the name continues to be chosen by parents for their sons, carrying with it a rich history and cultural significance.
The name Ulysse experienced significant popularity during the early to mid-20th century with a peak of 15 births per year between 1922 and 1924. However, its usage has since declined significantly, with only 5 births reported each year from 1937 onwards until the most recent records in 2018 and 2020. In total, Ulysse has been given to 250 newborns over this time period.